The Pill: Your 4 Most Common Questions Answered

13th June 2016

The combined contraceptive pill is a popular method of contraception, but there are lots of myths and uncertainties out there surrounding this form of birth control. If you’re keen to get the facts when it comes to this contraceptive option, keep reading. Here are answers to four of the most commonly asked questions about the pill.

1. Where can I get it?

It is simple to access combined contraceptives. Popular versions like Microgynon 30, Cilest and Rigevidon are available from most GP surgeries, contraception clinics, sexual health clinics and some genitourinary medicine clinics. You can also request prescriptions online by visiting specialist websites such as Online Doctor Lloyds Pharmacy.

2. What should I do if I miss a pill?

If you forget to take your pill, don’t panic. By following the instructions provided on your pack, you will be able to protect yourself from falling pregnant. You have missed your dose if it is more than 24 hours since the time when you should have taken your pill. Forgetting one dose isn’t a problem. Simply take the last one you missed now, even if this results in you taking two doses in a day. If you accidentally forgo two or more pills, you will need to take extra precautions. Take the last dose you missed, but don’t have any other missed pills, and use an additional method of contraception (such as a condom) for the following seven days.

3. Can sickness stop the pill from working?

If you throw up or experience diarrhoea within a couple of hours of taking your pill, you might not have fully absorbed it into your bloodstream. This means you should take another dose straight away. If you carry on being ill, you’ll need to use another type of contraception for the duration of your sickness and for another two days once you’re better.

4. Will it make me put on weight?

You might have heard rumours that this form of birth control can cause you to pile on the pounds. In fact, there’s no evidence that the pill makes people put on weight, so this shouldn’t stop you from using the pill. If you’re worried about any side effects associated with the combined oral contraceptive, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist. They will be able to tell you what to expect if you start taking the pill.

Personally the first time I took the pill it had nothing to do with contraception. For me the goal was to make my periods more predictable and less painful. Taking the pill helped me to manage better during exam time as I was less stressed.

There are so many different options for contraception and the pill is just one of those. Before you rush into anything have a look into all your options and see what seems right for you. Making sure you’re in the know when it comes to birth control can help you enjoy stress-free sex, so if you’ve got any questions at all, I’d say head to your GP to discuss your options.